Monthly Archives: April 2014

The launch of .london on April 29 confirms the growing power of London as a global city “brand”. Following in the footsteps of Berlin and Vienna, this will make London the third city ahead of New York and Paris, to launch its own web domains.

London’s Financial district. (photo – worklondonstyle)

The mayor of London, Boris Johnson said,”It is hard to imagine that 25 years ago few of us had heard of the internet. Now we take it for granted: watching films on demand and buying weekly groceries.”

Boris Johnson – The Mayor of London

Johnson’s open letter in the Evening Standard newspaper, who made history by becoming the first business to adopt the new “Dot London” website name, was signed by 40 prominent figures from culture, business and charity. Johnson said, “Twenty five years ago it was about connecting computer networks. Today it is about connecting with people, communities and customers – and being relevant to them.”

From 29 April London businesses that until now defined their online presence with internet domains ending in .co.uk and .com, will have the opportunity to choose the .london domain. Web addresses are expected to go live by late August or the beginning of September and will cost from £40 per year.

An initial three month “grace period” will prioritise London-based applicants over those from outside the capital, when applying for the same name.

I often look to streetstyle shots when searching for style inspiration as opposed to runways – it’s a reflection of how “real” people dress. I love when streetstyle fashionistas mix high and low and make their looks moderately attainable. Here are some shots from Paris Fashion Week – so beautiful. I love the eclectic mix of styles captured by Vanity Fair in these streetstyle shots. I’ll definitely be taking some style cues from these looks in the coming weeks!

Like this:

Marks and Spencer Chief Executive Marc Bolland’s announcement that the retailer is planning to expand its French footprint with 20 stand-alone Food stores, saw shares rise 2.2% to 469.90p at the close yesterday. At an Investor Seminar in Paris, he announced an ambitious plan to drive international growth by opening 250 new stores in Western Europe, India, China, Russia and the Middle East.

Marks and Spencer’s Chief Executive Marc Bolland with two models at the opening of the Champs Élysées store in 2011. (photo – M&S)

Bolland said: “We are focusing on Flagship stores to deliver brand presence and stand-out. We also see great opportunities in fresh Food and Lingerie and Beauty concepts.”

The Champs Élysées Flagship store by night. (photo – M&S)

The plans for Paris would make France it’s largest food market outside the UK. M&S hopes that the expansion will bring relief from the pain it has suffered in the over saturated UK market.

Whiskey and baked goods are favourites with French shoppers. (photo – M&S)

A new franchise partnership with SFH Invest will see three new on-street stores, trading from c.300 square metres, open this summer.

Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley declaring the store open for business three years ago. (photo – M&S)

Workers and customers were outraged when M&S shut its stores in France in 2001.

Renowned for quality, affordable lingerie and beauty, it has also lined up 20 sites for expansion in emerging markets.

Noemie Lenoir, a former M&S lingerie model. (photo – M&S)

The company will also expand internationally with a ‘bricks and clicks’ approach by establishing flagship stores in key cities, supported M&S Food stores and a full online offer. It has recently revamped its website.

M&S’s International arm made profits of £120 million on sales of £1.1 billion last year. The new French Food stores will offer customers convenient access to a range of up to 2500 exceptional quality, fresh M&S products.